The Battalion OPINION Friday, AugustJO, 1990 Well-rounded education in college years key to success after graduation Organizations teach students leadership, responsibility Four years in college has definitely given me something to be proud of. I came with hopes, dreams and ideas for the future — I am leaving with an identity, a well-rounded education and a set plan of what I want to accomplish in life. I still have much more to learn, but it’s a start. There’s an old Latin phrase, carpe diem, which means “seize the day” or in layman’s terms, to take full advantage of present opportunities. I don’t know who came up with the phrase, but I’m certain they had college students in mind when they thought of it. How a person can attend college for four (or more) years and never get involved in anything I will never know. My grandfather reminded me constantly throughout college to take advantage of every opportunity to “I I’m afraid most people here don’t realize the importance of being involved in extracurricular activities. I suppose they just assume a degree from Texas A&M will get them where they want to go ... College degrees are becoming about as prevalent as high school diplomas.” learn something new, go on a trip or simply get to meet new people. I wish everyone here had been reminded to do that. College is the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be right in the middle of thousands of people close to the same age with something in common — we’re all here to get a better education in order to improve our futures. There are people of different nationalities with different cultures and different ideas. The chances to broaden our horizons, learn about others and experience life in general are endless. But the only problem is, it only lasts for a short time. Monique pi -' M. Threadgill ' 2k 4' Editor j It frightens me when I think of all of the students here that are nothing more than just ordinary students. I consistently see the same people involved in everything. There are more than 600 organizations and all sorts of opportunities available to students at A&M — I am certain there is something for everyone to be involved in. Yet it seems most of the members of one group are members of another group and it turns out that only a small fraction of the campus population ends up participating in things. I’m afraid most people here don’t realize the importance of being involved in extracurricular activities. I suppose they just assume a degree from Texas A&M will get them where they want to go. Wrong. Everyone should wake up to the fact that college degrees are becoming about as prevalent as high school diplomas. And without another higher degree or an impressive list of involvements, you’re nobody special —just another person with a bachelor’s degree desperately searching for a job. Interviewers and recruiters don’t want ordinary people — they want someone who will take initiative, can handle responsibility and will get involved in their business. What have you got to prove to them that you’re the one they need? Nothing? That’s what I was afraid of. So why don’t you get off your lazy tush and do something to help your future and improve your college life? There are special organizations for almost every different field or major here, from meteorology to horticulture to business and journalism, not to mention all the service and social groups that are open to all students. There are groups that help other people, there are groups for things you’re interested in, there are groups for different nationalities, there are groups for almost anything you can imagine. Not only can you gain invaluable^ experience by joining an organization, but you also can meet new people, develop different perspectives on things and make connections which will help you out when it comes your time to go hunting for a job. Getting involved also gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself . And leadership positions in any organization show that you can handle responsibility and that you are capable of making competent decisions. Being involved in an organization doesn’t mean that you are required to devote all of your spare time to it. You can devote as much time and work as you want, depending on what you want to get out of it and how much time you have to offer. Looking back, there are many things I would have liked to have been involved in but I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity when I had the chance. Now I’m either too busy or it’s too late, but at least I’ve done what I could over the past couple of years. I shudder to think of all the people that do nothing but go to school and, therefore, have nothing to show for themselves other than a degree. If you don’t have a grandfather like mine to keep you in line and remind you of your opportunities, take it upon yourself to open your eyes to what goes on around here and get involved in something you’re interested in. Carpe diem — your college years will be over before you know it. Monique Threadgill is a senior journalism major. Opinion Page Editor Damon Arhos 845-3314 Situation in Middle East af f ects all of us Events are boiling in the Middle East and the whole world is keeping a close eye. Iraq’s President Saddam Hussein wants to control oil prices thereby helping Iraq repay its debts from the 7-year-old war with Iran. President Bush has warranted his toughest decision as president, and this time he’s being hailed by all people of different political stances. Whenever a post-Vietnam War president has had to make the decision to send American troops to protect foreign soil, we are reminded of that unforgivable era. Having been born during the Vietnam War and having not actually experiencing it, I have no idea what it means to live in a nation at war. I know it’s not a game, but it’s also not a reality to me, either. Most of the world has joined the United States in this all-out effort to stop this unprompted aggression by the Iraqi’s. President Bush has sent American troops to Saudi Arabia, and he’s even told the Iraqi’s that “a line has been drawn in the sand.” To add to the U.S. presence in the Middle East, Great Britain and France have sent extra military power to help stop Hussein (along with the economic sanctions that other nations have imposed). It is also great to see that the Soviet Union and the United States are working together. This just goes to show what post-Gold War diplomacy is all about. In this combined effort, no one has a chance — not even Saddam. If the United States has to use its military power to settle this conflict, I hope President Bush issues a quick clean-up attack. Iraq is very powerful and shouldn’t be taken lightly. American lives will be ruined in a war, but if nothing is done to stop Hussein, the whole world will lose. That is why other countries are finally supporting the United States. Only when it affects them directly do they stretch a helping hand. Where were they when President Reagan was trying to halt terrorism? I’m glad the rest of the world is finally getting involved. I just wish it hadn’t come down to this. I hope people all over the country understand the importance of our military strength. When President Reagan began the military expansion of the 80s, he did it for a reason. Our military strength had been weakened by the negligence of the Carter administration. The money spent on defense was necessary. Since the military buildup, America has seen a camaraderie with the Soviet Union that hasn’t been alive for over 40 years. Our military has been used to stop terrorism and even used for the drug war. Now we are faced with a new challenge. President Bush and the leaders of the world are coming together to secure world peace. What is happening in the Middle East is very important for each and every one of us. We will be af fected directly at the pump when we go to get gas. We will also be affected when the high oil prices drive the nation into a recession. We have to remember that what happened 20 years ago is now over. We have moved into a new era of peace. The protests of yesteryear are now a long, forgotten memory. We can look back at the men and women who risked their lives for our country and be proud. As students we must keep informed. Unlike the past era we must also support our government. It’s important for us to remember that our military is there to protect us. Let’s look ahead to peace, even if the “Road to Mecca” is a littl^rtumpy. Rudy Cordova Jr. is a senior theatre arts major. Mail Call Cartoon misunderstood by some readers EDITOR: This letter is in response to Nancy Ko-chieh Tsai, who wrote a Reader’s Opinion that critiqued Eric Lewis’ cartoon “In Full Ef fect.” First, let me mention that her column, for the most part, was good. However, 1 would like to mention one small fallacy. She obviously does not understand “Shewanna B. White.” I know from personal experience where the thought for the strip originated. When I was a freshman living in the Lommons, (along with Lewis), there was this certain African-American fe male who used to put on a bathing suit and suntan lotion in an effort to get darker. Why? I suppose she wanted to be “accepted” by her white friends. At any rate, the blacks on campus thought she was a joke and I’m sure tne whites felt the same way. To conclude, I do not think Lewis was criticizing intelligent blacks who are culturally diverse, but rather those who are not proud of their culture. Raymond Jackson’90 Have an opinion? Express it! Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words in length. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters for style and length, but will make every effort to maintain the author's intent. There is no guarantee that letters submitted will be printed. Each letter must be signed and must include the classification, address and telephone number of the writer. All letters may be brought to 216 Reed McDonald, or sent to Campus Mail Stop 1111. The Battalion (USPS 045 360) Member of Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Conference Associated Collegiate Press The Battalion Editorial Board Monique Threadgill, Editor Melissa Naumann, Managing Editor Damon Arhos, Opinion Page Editor Holly Becka, City Editor Meg Reagan, Lisa Ann Robertson, News Editors Clay Rasmussen, Sports Editor Eric Roalson, Art Director Todd Stone, Lifestyles Editor Editorial Policy The Battalion is a non-profit, self-sup porting newspaper operated as a commu nity service to Texas A&M and Bryan- College Station. Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the editorial board or the au thor, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Texas A&M administrators, faculty or the Board of Regents. The Battalion is published Tuesday through Friday during Texas A&M sum mer semesters, except for holiday and ex amination periods. Mail subscriptions are $20 per semes ter, $40 per school year and $50 per full year: 845-2611. Advertising rates fur nished on request: 845-2696. Our address: The Battalion, 230 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M University, Col lege Station, TX 77843-1 111. Newsroom: 845-3313. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77843. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843-4111. FAX by Brett Bridgeman S€L So X fee. ftgcOT S4t*llbl(b MV aiiFT L-ll CXjfZ. FEApSKS M CJJp This ST/eiP 4 oSc T To SfrTT CAtAFFtHGS SQNetffNd, < &L( kkfcpJXflbE' X Ffeci- So kjflRM. < SRXZMc. JN&jDe'- R'gwt Nbu) X uM/qr /o> 30/O h^hds vjitU Jbe e/THRo CAM FUS 4 S/Nfe, CUtA-£A-Yf) . Z! S FtfOOtj OjL-Yfbf iliSM TWAMX &o<^rTo MP TFpl The Battalioi ST Friday, Aug Cong, Invj DALLAS (AP East may make ( cuts in military sj in Texas aren’t sj “The thing in situation and cer priate for a com sales leverage,” < Bell Helicopter “We’re not walki saying: ‘See, you The V-22 tilt jeopardized by General Dynamn cerned about Dc spending. That was bef Thursday and troops to Saudi A Iraqi strongm came days after t mittee carved $2 defense budget r State AUSTIN (AP overwhelmed by this summer, cleanup plan 1 cussed a possible emergency equip Members of t Spill Advisory C state was not p spills from the J the tanker Mega Mexico, and the tween a tanker Galveston Bay. “It keeps gettii and worse,” Tex sion Chairman “Somebody is try thing.” About 3.9 mil spewed from the 60 miles off the ton, while 700,( A&M t cold shi next we Texas A&M’s n do without hot wa Monday through The heating wa not operate for th physical plant doe maintenance worl The system will from 8 a.m. Mont on Wednesday. Any questions t can be directed to The restaura Brazos County and July 13. Ir tablishment ins SCORED BE Confucius C Score — 97. P food protectioi design of non- larly scheduled Emilio’s Piz; Points were de faces and unclt regularly sched Pizza Hut ] Score — 95. P food protectioi straints, unclea and ceiling in I uled inspection Mt. Aggie Sr ping Center. Si an unsafe watc regularly sched SCORED BE Carney’s Pul Points were dc food contact su toilet doors we drying devices tacles. It was a r B.B.’s Orien Score — 93. Po beled containet storage, intpro CLINICS 10%Sti 846-4756 3820 Texas (next to Randy Sirr